Cheltenham

Tomorrow, March 14, 2025HurdleClass 12m7f

Verdict

This looks wide open but Henry de Bromhead last won this with his Gold Cup hero Minella Indo and his smart mare THE BIG WESTERNER can use her 7 lb sex allowance to telling effect and retain her unbeaten record over hurdles. Gordon Elliott's Wingmen found only Final Demand too good in a Leopardstown Grade 1 last time and heads the list of dangers, although Jasmin de Vaux (choice of Paul Townend), Wendigo and Ballybow all command plenty of respect too. Derryhassen Paddy completes the shortlist.

The Big Westerner
Wingmen
Jasmin De Vaux

3m Grd1 Nov Hrd

Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places

20. The Big Westerner
J: D. J. O'KeeffeT: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
F: 11
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
78
Verdict
Westerner mare made a winning start in points and quickly made up into a smart hurdler when bagging novice at Punchestown then Grade 2 at Limerick (23ft) by 4¼ lengths from Mozzies Sister. Open to further improvement. and she rates a big player receiving 7 lb all round.
9. Jasmin De Vaux
J: P. TownendT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 11-8144
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
41
Verdict
2024 Champion Bumper winner and he made a winning hurdling debut in maiden at Navan in December. Cheekpieces on when a solid fourth in Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novices' Hurdle at Leopardstown (22.2f) last time. The choice of Paul Townend from his yard's half dozen and he can go well.
11. Jet Blue
J: James ReveleyT: David Cottin, France
F: U313-3121
Price History:
9.00
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
90
Verdict
Very useful French hurdler who bagged a third success on his first outing for David Cottin in Grade 2 Bristol Novice Hurdle over C&D in December. Off since but he's much respected with his stamina proven.
17. Wendigo
J: Gavin SheehanT: Jamie Snowden
F: 311-2121
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
30
Verdict
Has quickly made up into a very useful hurdler, 4¾ lengths second to The New Lion in Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury before easily landing the odds in 2m4f Wetherby novice last month. Needs considering now stepping up to 3m.
18. Wingmen
J: J. W. KennedyT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
F: 13-11232
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
hood
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
41
Verdict
Smart bumper winner who got off to the perfect start over hurdles at Navan in November. Has improved with each of his three runs since, though no match for Final Demand when runner-up in Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novices' Hurdle at Leopardstown (22.2f) last time. Holds solid claims.
3. Derryhassen Paddy
J: Derek FoxT: Lucinda Russell
F: 1-11
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
56
Verdict
Won his sole start in Irish points/bumpers and has looked a bright prospect in going 2-2 over hurdles at Uttoxeter and Windsor. Battled well on latter occasion and is the sort to go on improving. Lively outsider.
6. Flicker Of Hope
J: Keith DonoghueT: Mark Fahey, Ireland
F: 94-118113
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
41
Verdict
Is enjoying a fine season and garnered his fourth handicap success at Navan (25f) in December. Took another step forward when third of 25 in 3m handicap at Leopardstown last time. Shouldn't be underestimated.
8. Intense Approach
J: Sean BowenT: John McConnell, Ireland
F: P-F211211
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
41
Verdict
Enjoyed an excellent summer/autumn when three times a hurdles scorer and also a fine second in Persian War at Chepstow. Resumed from a three-month break with a cosy 3m novice success at Musselburgh and he's no forlorn hope.
1. Argento Boy
J: Rachael BlackmoreT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 10-62P1
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Debut bumper winner who was gaining his first win since landing the odds in 23f Punchestown maiden hurdle last month. Needs to step forward to figure here though.
2. Ballybow
J: Sam EwingT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
F: 10211
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
29
Verdict
Son of Flemensfirth has improved with each of his four runs in this sphere, bagging maiden at Naas (2m3f) and Grade 3 at Clonmel (3m) in 2025. Capable of better still so he's one to consider with his stamina proven.
5. Fishery Lane
J: S. F. O'KeeffeT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 25-031
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
57
Verdict
Very useful bumper performer who built on his hurdling promise to land 20f Fairyhouse novice in January. This represents a big step up but he's open to further progress.
16. Sounds Victorius
J: Mr P. W. MullinsT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 214-4215
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
41
Verdict
Fourth in Champion bumper and improving over hurdles, scoring at Fairyhouse (20f) on New Year's Day before a very good fifth of 12 in Nathaniel Lacy and Partners' Hurdle at Leopardstown (22f). A real staying type who has more to offer here.
10. Jax Junior
J: Tom CannonT: Lucy Wadham
F: 023-7113
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
36
Verdict
Hasn't looked back since undergoing breathing surgery, making all in novice events at Doncaster and Ascot either side of Christmas. Advanced his form when third of 6 in listed hurdle at Huntingdon (2m4f) last month. Likeable sort who hasn't stopped improving yet.
15. Port Joulain
J: B. HayesT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 1-0P31
Price History:
41.00
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
46
Verdict
Useful bumper scorer who got off the mark at the third attempt in this sphere in 5-runner novice hurdle at Punchestown (19.2f) in January. Needs this big step up in trip to spark improvement.
19. Yellow Car
J: Nick SlatterT: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson
F: 121531
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
48
Verdict
Point winner who has progressed steadily over hurdles, winning 2 of his first 3 starts at Newton Abbot and Fontwell. Took another step forward when narrowly landing River Don Novices' Hurdle at Doncaster (3m) in January and this likeable sort is respected.
14. Nativehill
J: Nico de BoinvilleT: Nicky Henderson
F: 21
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
12
Verdict
Changed hands for £260,000 after winning between the flags and he built on a promising hurdling debut Newbury second when landing the odds in 2m5f novice at Huntingdon 12 days ago. That form leaves him with lots to find here but remains with considerable potential now his stamina is unlocked more.
4. First Confession
J: Brendan PowellT: Joe Tizzard
F: 3171
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Points winner came in last of 7 in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury but bounced back to make it 2-4 in this sphere in 2m3f Ascot novice hurdle last month. This step up in trip shoudl suit but others possess better form.
13. Ma Shantou
J: Harry CobdenT: Emma Lavelle
F: 310-2113
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
48
Verdict
Progessive sort who bagged novice hurdles (around 2m4f) at Warwick and Windsor before Christmas before posting an excellent third of 6 in River Don Novices' Hurdle (3m) in January. No forlorn hope.
12. Jigs Forge
J: Ben JonesT: Ben Pauling
F: 14
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
48
Verdict
Winning Irish pointer who made a successful start in this sphere in 2m4f novice at Ffos Las in November. Not disgraced when a well-held fourth of 6 in River Don Novices' Hurdle at Doncaster (3m). Remains with potential.
7. Inn At The Park
J: D. E. MullinsT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 336-14
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
54
Verdict
Walk In The Park gelding got off to a successful start in 23f novice hurdle at Fairyhouse in December. Failed to build on that in the expected manner when fourth of 5 in 22f novice at Thurles following month. Shouldn't be written off for top stable though.
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Cheltenham

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